Sarasota does not have a citywide wildlife-feeding ban, but Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules under F.A.C. 68A-4.001 prohibit intentional feeding of alligators, bears, raccoons, foxes, sandhill cranes, and pelicans. F.S. §379.412 makes feeding alligators a misdemeanor; coastal beach/sea-turtle-light rules also apply under FWC.
FWC rule F.A.C. 68A-4.001(3) prohibits intentional feeding of wild alligators, sandhill cranes, raccoons, foxes, and pelicans statewide - a second-degree misdemeanor. F.S. §379.412 makes intentional feeding of alligators specifically a second-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days jail, $500 fine). On Sarasota's beaches, sea-turtle nesting season (May 1 - October 31) brings additional FWC restrictions including dark-sky / lights-out rules within sight of beach. Feeding waterfowl in City parks may be prohibited by Park Department rules under Ch. 24 (Parks and Recreation). Manatee feeding is prohibited under F.S. §379.2431 - manatees are abundant in Sarasota Bay.
FWC and state-law violations are pursued by FWC officers as misdemeanors - up to 60 days jail and $500 fine for alligator/bear/sandhill crane feeding. Manatee harassment carries federal Marine Mammal Protection Act penalties up to $50,000 plus state penalties.
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